Unpaid Military Pensions: Retired Nigerian Soldiers Storm Finance Ministry in Abuja Over Delayed Benefits

Story: written by springnewsng 4,2025
Retired Nigerian military pensioners on Thursday staged a protest at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja, demanding the immediate release of funds to the Military Pensions Board (MPB) for the settlement of their outstanding entitlements.

The ex-servicemen, many of whom are senior citizens, blocked the entrance of the ministry, accusing the government of failing to keep its promise of paying their benefits by August 10.

Recall that the pensioners had earlier suspended a planned protest on August 4 after a meeting with officials of the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Defence, where they were assured that the backlog would be cleared. However, with no payments made to date, the veterans said they had no choice but to return to the streets.

Speaking during the demonstration, one of the leaders, popularly known as Mama G, expressed disappointment over the government’s failure to act.

“We are here because the promises made to us were never fulfilled. We had no choice but to return to the streets. This time around, the protest will be massive,” she said.

Over the years, military pensioners have repeatedly staged protests in Abuja and other states, lamenting poor welfare and accusing authorities of neglect despite their sacrifices for Nigeria.

At the time of this report, neither the Ministry of Defence, the Defence Headquarters, nor the Military Pensions Board had issued an official response to the latest protest.